“I have woven 1,900 baskets.”
Mary Price smiles while she shares her passion with Sun City residents. She has been teaching at Sun City since 2003.
The popular basket weaving classes fill up quickly, and until recently, were only offered once a month. Residents had expressed disappointment in the classes filling up.
Mary Price (third from left) is a basket-weaving instructor and creates highly creative works that teaches to classes, some offered in Sun City. (Photos by Christine Such/Sun Day)
“Sun City has a significant number of residents who are still working and cannot make the classes during the week. I worked with the staff to add on a Saturday class.”
Price is grateful for the opportunity to help others learn her craft.
“I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for the art of basket weaving with others,” she said.
Price started teaching in 1999 from her studio in Woodstock, Illinois.
“My basketry works of art are marketed under the name Sunset Ridge Basketry.” Now, Price travels to offer classes at other retirement communities, churches libraries, community park districts, and civic centers.
“I coordinate classes for homeschool students, Boy and Girl Scouts, and in-home basket weaving parties.”
Price’s talents go beyond being a popular instructor.
“I create my own basket patterns and specialize in practical, functional reed baskets,” she said.
Basket weaving is an age-old craft; the oldest known baskets have been carbon dated as 10,000 and 12,000 years old. However, new ideas and techniques still emerge.
“I attend basket weaving classes at conventions and on cruises to learn new weaving techniques to pass on to my students.”
Price can’t decide whether she prefers new or old weaves.
“I can’t say I have a favorite basket. I can tell you want is the most popular basket to make – tote baskets. This was the first basket I made in 1996 and it’s something we can all use all the time.”
March basket class offered 2 projects: a covered round basket and a springtime bunny. The bunny came with accessories and clothing.
“My mom sewed all the jackets for this project,” Price said.
Katie Collar, a class participant, said, “Can’t wait to work on each basket! Friends are amazed that these are made by hand.”
First time students Kathy Felgenhauer and Carol Mazur share their enthusiasm for the class.
“This is my first time. So much fun! Can’t wait to make my next basket!” said Felgenhauer.
Mazur agreed.
“I enjoyed it so much and I’m also looking forward to next month’s basket – so much fun!”
A veteran basket weaving student, Kathleen Talbot, said, “I’ve been weaving baskets for two years. It is fun and relaxing, as well as a great way to make unique gifts for friends and family.”
Student Marcie Nordlund summed up her experience as well: “This is the best class I have ever taken here.”
April 9 is the next scheduled class. Price provided a sneak peek at the theme.
“Cherokee baskets and a cheese and crackers tray are featured. The Saturday classes we are trying out are scheduled for June 9, September 22, November 17, and December 1.”
